Gonzalez wins No. 2,000

Jockey Carlos Gonzalez picked up career win number 2,000 in dramatic fashion Friday afternoon at Louisiana Downs, narrowly prevailing in the ninth race of the day aboard 9-5 favorite Del Norte. Gonzalez outfinished leading apprentice Cody Meche, who was aboard Brickadier General, following a spirited stretch battle. Del Norte is trained by leading trainer Cole Norman, who has been riding Gonzalez first call for most of the season.

Gonzalez, 41, is a native of Aricedo, Puerto Rico, and is a former riding champion here, having taken the title in 1999. He led the Louisiana Downs rider standings through Friday with 62 victories.